Persona 5: The Phantom X Could Allow Fans to Have Their Cake And Eat It Too (2024)

When Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) finally makes its international debut, it could mark a significant milestone for both fans of the Persona 5 series and the broader Persona franchise. Developer Black Wings Game Studio and publisher Perfect World Games, have an opportunity to help keep Persona developer Atlus' loyal fanbase engaged while also expanding their horizons ahead of the highly anticipated Persona 6. The key to achieving this lies in a delicate balance: regularly updating Persona 5: The Phantom X with fresh content while delivering a brand-new, standalone experience with P6.

Persona 5 has arguably become its own mini-series within the Persona franchise, but with the advent of Persona 6 on the horizon, P5X presents a unique opportunity. By functioning as a live-service game, P5X can keep fans engaged with regular content updates and new features, bridging the gap between the familiar world of the Phantom Thieves and the exciting possibilities that await in Persona 6.

The Importance of Regular Content Updates to Persona 5: The Phantom X

Regular content updates are key to maintaining a live-service game’s longevity, as seen in titles like Fortnite and Destiny 2. P5X could leverage this by introducing not only new features like rhythm games, anime clips with rewards, and larger Palaces, but also by experimenting with fresh content that aligns with the series’ deep storytelling. For instance, seasonal events could be themed around key dates from the original game, such as celebrating the Phantom Thieves’ formation with special missions or exclusive items. Unique challenges might involve revisiting iconic moments, like recreating battles against Persona 5’s major villains, with added twists that reflect how the characters have grown.

Community-driven content could allow players to vote on the next storyline to explore, ensuring that updates stay true to fan-favorite narrative arcs. Additionally, the social aspect, can be expanded to explore new relationship dynamics that add depth to the story and character development.

Love is the Key to Persona

Relationships must arguably be a big part of this constant update work as well. The Persona series has become notable for its engaging romances and even its bromances. Part of the reward for getting through one of the series’ intricate dungeons is sitting down with one of the player’s favorite characters in a quieter moment hours later. Updates to these will be important, and it would be amazing if LGBTQ players were given queer relationship options – something that’s been lacking in the series. The developers could refine these features for Atlus' purposes in Persona 6 as well.

Balancing P5X and Persona 6

While keeping P5X updated is crucial for maintaining the interest of Persona 5 fans, it’s equally important that the developers involved use P5X as a platform to support the launch of Persona 6. This could involve cross-promotional events, such as limited-time missions in P5X that foreshadow events or characters in Persona 6, giving players a taste of what’s to come. Shared story elements could be introduced, like a mysterious character in P5X who plays a pivotal role in Persona 6, creating a narrative thread that ties the two games together. This isn’t too far off with what Atlus has done with revisited versions of the games, such as adding Marie to Persona 4 Golden.

Additionally, features that unlock bonuses in Persona 6 might include completing certain challenges or story arcs in P5X to earn exclusive items or abilities in Persona 6, rewarding dedicated fans with tangible benefits. Collectable alternative Personas for the main character of Persona 6 to summon could work well, especially if the developer adds previous Personas from older entries as unique items.

A Win-Win Scenario for Persona Fans

If Atlus and Black Wings Game Studio can successfully manage the simultaneous development of P5X and P6, P5X could become more than just a spin-off—it could be an essential live-service companion that keeps the community engaged. While Persona 6 introduces a fresh chapter, P5X can continue to offer dynamic content, creating a win-win scenario for all Persona fans who want to experience the best of both worlds.

Persona 5 Royal

Don the mask and join the Phantom Thieves of Hearts as they stage grand heists, infiltrate the minds of the corrupt, and make them change their ways!

Prepare for the award-winning RPG experience in this definitive edition of Persona 5 Royal, featuring a treasure trove of downloadable content included!

Forced to transfer to a high school in Tokyo, the protagonist has a strange dream. “You truly are a prisoner of fate. In the near future, ruin awaits you.” With the goal of “rehabilitation” looming overhead, he must save others from distorted desires by donning the mask of a Phantom Thief.

Explore Tokyo, unlock Personas, customize your own personal Thieves Den, experience alternate endings, and more. Become the ultimate Phantom Thief and defy conventions, discover the power within, and fight for justice in the definitive version of Persona 5 Royal.

JRPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:94/100 Critics Recommend:98%

Franchise

Persona

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

March 31, 2020

Developer(s)

Atlus , P-Studio

Publisher(s)

Atlus

Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

100 Hours

PS Plus Availability

N/A

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